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8. Accountability - Study Questions

This is the study guide for the Accountability article by Ken Boa. Read it first.

Appendix: Study Guide for MEN7/52 Leadership Series

MEN 7/52 is a men's ministry of bible.org. Our desire is to see all men become true followers of Jesus Christ 7 days a week/52 weeks a year.

The Men’s Bible Study Leadership Series is presented by bible.org to help you build and fortify men in preparation for their roles as leaders in their families, churches, communities, and workplaces.

It is a leadership series because no matter what age or station in life a man finds himself, he is called to lead. Leadership hates a vacuum. If a man of God doesn’t stand up and lead, then someone else will and the consequences can be drastic for generations.

It is also a discipleship series because building men’s leadership requires ongoing personal relationships with someone who will shepherd and mentor them over the long term. Just as Christ lived in a community of relationship with His disciples, preparing them to lead, so too must we if we are to grow and be effective.

There are sixteen lessons that are designed to be conducted over a thirty-two week period. Your group should meet weekly at a specific time and place. First, participants should be expected to read all of the Scripture verses thoroughly, on a daily basis, and be encouraged to meditate on them. Second, they should read the article carefully and look for aspects of it that impact them personally. Third, they should complete the discussion questions thoughtfully, completely, and honestly, and diligently address personal applications. Finally, they should be prepared to share their answers during your group sessions.

The articles used in this series are written by Dr. Kenneth Boa. Dr. Boa is engaged in a ministry of relational evangelism and discipleship, teaching, writing, and speaking. He holds a B.S. from Case Institute of Technology, a Th.M. from Dallas Theological Seminary, a Ph.D. from New York University, and a D.Phil. from the University of Oxford in England.

By the time your group has finished this series, relationships and spiritual bonds should have formed. Authentic spiritual interdependence will be experienced, and men will know they are not alone in being who and what God wants them to be. It will be critical for the group to either stay together for the next series, or to stay in close touch weekly to continue the shepherding experience and forming true Christian brotherhood.

Lesson 10

Leadership Qualities: Accountability
God’s leaders are confessional, accountable, and trustworthy

Read “Leadership Qualities: Accountability” by Ken Boa and listen to his audio message online.

1. On what is the study of “cognitive dissonance” based?

2. Because of this, what do we need, and why?

3. How would you define “360-degree honesty”?

4. Dr. Boa states that, “Most leaders don’t experience a sudden blowout in their lives”. What do they experience, and why?

5. What is the difference between a “circle of friends” and “linear friends”?

Read 2 Samuel 11:1-27 and Jeremiah 17:9.

David takes another man’s wife, has him killed, covers it up, and then marries her. He demonstrates that a man who is accountable only to himself is capable of committing terrible sins and enormous damage.

6. Why do you think David was at his palace and not out leading his armies in battle?

7. David is remembered as a man after God’s heart. Why do you think he pursued his lust for Bathsheba?

8. When have you found yourself in a place where you should not be?

9. How often have you sought to be in those places?

10. What kind compromises do you make when faced with your temptations?

11. David concocted an elaborate cover-up that killed Uriah. How do you cover your compromises?

12. What does Jeremiah tell us about the human heart?

Read 2 Samuel 12:1-12, Numbers 32:23, Psalm 90:8, and Jeremiah 23:24.

Nathan confronts David over his sin. Speaking through Nathan, the LORD promises to expose his secret sin in broad daylight and that violence will befall his house. God publicly exposes our secret sins and allows us to suffer the consequences.

13. Who, other than your spouse, have you invited into your life to rebuke you when you sin?

14. How do you react when someone points out a sin in your life?

15. What does God make perfectly clear to us in Numbers 32:23, Psalm 90:8, and Jeremiah 23:24? Give specifics for each verse.

16. What makes you reluctant to open yourself up and invite scrutiny by another man?

17. What would it be like for you if your Christian friends saw you with your non-Christian friends?

18. How are you held accountable in your responsibility to live a life of holiness and obedience?

19. Who are you helping grow in leadership by holding him accountable?

Read 2 Samuel 12:13-14, Psalm 51:1-9, Romans 11:33-36, 14:11-12, Job 41:11, and Genesis 3:8-9.

David admits and laments his sin against the LORD, pleading for forgiveness. He is forgiven by the LORD, but loses his son through death as a consequence. God requires us to humbly confess and honestly acknowledge our transgressions against Him.

20. A truly sorrowful David throws himself at the mercy of the LORD and receives His forgiveness. Why did he still have to lose his son?

21. What do we learn about God’s attitude toward sin in Romans 11:33-36, 14:11-12, and Job 41:11.

22. What does Genesis 3:8-9 teach us about hiding from God?

23. How often do you confess your sins to God?

24. Describe your feelings when you confess to Him.

25. In Psalm 51:5-6, what is it that God requires and why?

26. What steps do you take to build wisdom, truth, and integrity in your heart?

27. Who is helping you in the areas of your greatest challenge?

Read Psalms 51:10-17, 90:12, Ephesians 4:25, James 5:16, and 1 Peter 5:1-4.

More than just seeking forgiveness, David desperately wants to repent – to turn his life back to the LORD. Not only that, he wants to be a witness for God’s truth and righteousness to sinners.

28. How can one have a pure heart after committing grievous sin?

29. What would it mean for you to have a pure heart?

30. In what does God delight?

31. How would you describe your brokenness?

32. What are we commanded to do in Ephesians 4:25 and James 5:16?

33. With regard to your personal positions of leadership and service, describe how will you put 1 Peter 5:1-4 into practice.

34. What will you do, now, to have other men hold you accountable for your cleansing, repentance, and growth as God’s leader?

Memory Verse: Psalm 51:1-2

Have mercy on me, O God, because of your loyal love!

Because of your great compassion, wipe away my rebellious acts!

Wash away my wrongdoing!

Cleanse me of my sin!

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